ProfileElite Martial Art is dedicated to the preservation and application of traditional martial art in modern society. The foundations for martial art are applied to our modern needs for physical & mental fitness in a traditional manner through uncompromising quality of instruction while individually tailoring training curriculums to maximize and achieve your personal goals.

Hapkido Ranking & CertificationRanking and certifications for Hapkido are governed by the Korean New Martial Arts Hapkido Federation(the "Federation"). Elite Martial Art O.C. upholds the highest integrity in testing, ranking, and certification through the Federation. The Federation, based in Seoul, Korea, is officially recognized as a governing body of Hapkido and is headed by Chairman Hwang Deok-Kyu, one of the original pioneers of modern Hapkido.

ChairmanHwang Deok-Kyu was the first president elect of the Korean Hapkido Association in January 1990 (대한 합기도 협회 설립 초대 회장 취임). The Chairman later changed this governing body to become the Korean New Martial Arts Hapkido Federation in January of 2002 (사단법인 대한 신무 합기도 협회 변경 설립, 초대 회장 취임). Elite Martial Art O.C. is member school sanctioned and authorized by the Korean New Martial Arts Hapkido Federation and a U.S. representative of the Federation. Our mission is to ensure that the techniques of traditional Hapkido are passed on to future generations consistently and completely. To that extent, member schools are expected to teach the same core of techniques. Individual school training methods may vary and while diversity and innovation are not only essential but welcomed, all member schools are expected to adhere to a standard core set of techniques. The benefits of standardization include allowing students to continue training at any affiliated schools, higher quality and consistency in both students and instructors, as well as consistency in testing and promotion. Ranking and certification is based on knowledge and execution of techniques as well as time in grade.

Chairman Hwang's Hakido Career

▶1957Sept.Entrance to Seongmukwan Hapkido

▶1962JanuaryInstructor of Seongmukwan Hapkido

▶1962FebruaryInstructor of Hapkido for Military Academy

▶1968FebruaryJudge of Hapkido for Presidential Security Office(Holding until June 30, 1980)

Recognition through an officially sanctioned organization is highly desirable but also requires a higher standard to be upheld. The stringent requirements uphold the spirit of integrity, respect, and honor of Hapkido, our masters, and ultimately, of ourselves. Please contact Grandmaster Hahn for any questions on membership, ranking and certification.

Hapkido techniques can be generally classified into three main categories

The three main categories consist of seven areas which cover the spectrum of physical techniques. Most martial arts focus on one or two areas, e.g., striking and kicking, throwing, joint locking. Hapkido is an eclectic system that is one of the most difficult systems to learn, let alone, master, because it covers the full spectrum of physical techniques from distance (long, short) to position (standing, ground work). The system contains over 3,800 individual techniques that when combined, increase exponentially. Techniques range from empty hand to weapons, meditation, and philosophical training. Most people are not in a position with the desire and opportunity to fully learn this system. This can be easily likened to obtaining a Ph. D. The need and desire to become a Ph. D. are few.

Other systems have imitated and copied these techniques to reflect the latest trends and fads, but the true test of many things in life is the test of time. While trends and fads have come and gone, these traditional techniques have been taught as they were 50 years ago. A good example would be the basic skills learned in school, in any subject. Those principles have stood the test of time and are still taught, and will continue to be taught. However, application of theory should, and must, change over time, to reflect the current environment.

FAQs

Mu DoThe two Chinese characters are Mu and Do. Mu stands for martial and Do stands for “the way”. The character for Do has been liberally translated as "art" but the meaning of "art" and "way" are very different. An art conveys a style while the “way” conveys an all encompassing holistic meaning, literally “living” it. The character for Do is the same as the one used for the Chinese philosophy of Tao (pronounced Do in Korean). The character for Mu shows the symbols of the spear and shield resting on top of the character for the earth – literally spears and shields over the earth, hence, the martial. The character for Do represents the head walking over a path, a road, the way.

Other schools have regular promotion testing and advancement

Our mission is to provide uncompromising quality of instruction with the highest level of integrity. There are many great schools in the martial art community. While we should all strive to live with the highest degree of ethics, unfortunately there are those that may take advantage of lack of experience and knowledge relative to the martial arts. Elite Martial Art strives to uphold integrity and students are never guaranteed advancement for fees. The instructor will generally recommend students for testing and potential advancement. Students should recognize that testing consists not only of technical knowledge but that the ability to perform under stress is a part of the testing process.

How long does it take to get a black belt?

There is no magic number or guarantee of a “2 year”, “3 year” black belt program. Each individual will progress at their own rate largely based on amount of time and commitment they are willing to invest. In Korea, it was not uncommon to achieve 1st dan in around a year, but that was based on 6 days of training two to three hours a day. In a different culture and time, this is highly unlikely. An average time would be three to five years depending on the individual’s commitment and abilities.

Does a black belt mean I have mastered the art?

A black belt means one has learned the basics of that style and ready to begin the next phase of the journey to study the discipline, hence, the various degrees of black belt or “dan”.

Terminology and Conventions Used

Gup

Refers to rank of colored belt grades or “gup” with beginners starting at a higher number working down to 1st gup as the highest colored belt before black belt ranking.

Dan

Refers to rank of black belts as degrees of “dan” starting from 1st dan and increasing numerically reflecting a higher rank. Currently, 10th dan is generally the highest rank usually given by approval of group of 9th dan holders and is a honorary rank reserved for heads of systems.

Grandmaster

Is abbreviated as GM. This title is generally used to refer to 8th dan holders and above

Korean Name Convention

Korean names follow the Korean convention of the last name then first and middle. For example, John Michael Smith would be written as Smith John Michael.

There are two schools of thought with respect to the practice of forms in Hapkido. One advocates forms, the other does not. Forms, called “poom sae” in Taekwondo, are called “hyung sae” in Hapkido which literally translated is “forms stance”. A common misconception is that practice of forms is restrictive and prohibits freedom of motion and creativity. Unlike other systems that rely on the practice of forms as a primary method of training, Hapkido forms are practiced in the context of being a supplemental training tool. The primary method of training should be done with a partner under the supervision of a qualified instructor. The practice of forms allows one to practice those same techniques in a structured environment especially when a training partner is not available. This will aid in the retention and refinement of learned techniques but should in no way be a substitute for live training with a partner. Hence, the practice of forms is not prohibitive to creativity; rather, it becomes a tool to enhance one’s training regimen.

Certification from other organizations will be reviewed on an individual basis. Upon approval, certification and ranking may be available through the Korean New Martial Arts Hapkido Federation, Chairman Hwang Deok-Kyu. Review and approval is at the sole discretion of Elite Martial Art O.C.

Admittance Requirements

For the master’s curriculum, instructors and advanced students of systems other than Hapkido may apply but admittance is at the sole discretion of Elite Martial Art. Factors considered will include relevant martial art and teaching experience, needs requirements as well as personal interviews.

LEO

Advanced Hapkido techniques include attack, control & restraint, attack and defenses against various weapons. Elite Martial Art offers programs specifically designed for the unique requirements of Law Enforcement Officers including discounted rates.

Korea New Martial Hapkido Federation

The Korean New Martial Arts Hapkido Federation (the “Federation”) is headed by GM Hwang Deok-Kyu. GM Hwang began his Hapkido training in September of 1957 in Seoul, South Korea and is the president of the Federation. GM Hwang's career has spanned from Hapkido Instructor at the Korean Military Academy, committee member of the Korean President’s Protective Services Testing Committee, and former president of the Korea Hapkido Association. The Federation governs around 2,000 schools in South Korea with affiliated schools in over 40 countries worldwide.

With the passing of the late GM Myung Kwang Sik, GM Hwang, who was a contemporary, training partner, and personal friend of the late GM Myung, was a natural choice in providing leadership to Elite Martial Art. The Federation is an organization that continues to uphold the the pursuit of furthering the spread of traditional Korean Hapkido.

What are sizes of classes?

Class size depends on the service but is generally private to semi-private with the exception of the Intermediate Program.